Dabo Swinney updates Xavier Thomas' status for Saturday's game against Boston College

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney feels good about the progress defensive end Xavier Thomas is making as he works his way back from a foot injury. Although Swinney didn’t say for sure whether Thomas will play Saturday against Boston College, he did offer a positive update in his Tuesday press conference.

“He practiced last week,” Swinney said. “I’ve been saying it every week — he’s right there. It’s just Tuesday, so today will be a big day and tomorrow. He was kind of day-to-day last week and didn’t really feel quite there. He’s better now than he was last week. His foot has healed great and looks good. But just been working on his conditioning a little bit, too. He’s right there.”

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Thomas has yet to play this season after suffering the injury in fall camp. Last season he earned third team All-ACC honors after recording 21 tackles (6.5 for loss), 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Clemson is off to a 5-0 start this season, and its defense ranks sixth in the ACC, allowing 332.8 yards and 21.4 points per game. The Tigers will kick off against Boston College at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday on the road.

Bryan Bresee ruled out against Boston College

Clemson could certainly use Xavier Thomas back from injury, as star defensive lineman Bryan Bresee has already been ruled out for Saturday. Bresee was in the hospital last week with a kidney-related issue, forcing him to miss.

Head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed Bresee will be out when the Tigers hit the road to face Boston College this weekend. Although Bresee is doing well and “feels great,” there are still protocols in place for the defensive star to go through. If everything continues to go to plan, he will be back for Florida State.

“He’s not going to play this week,” Swinney said of Bresee during his Tuesday press conference. “I can tell you that. He’s doing really good. Really, really good. Everything is great but they got a protocol in place for him. So, they’re going to condition him this week and just push him every day. Started that yesterday.

“He feels great and all of his numbers are where they need to be. Just really kind of want to push him this week and if everything goes well, as they anticipate, then get him back going next week.”

On33’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.